Do you know a child/teen who has started a business?

Feb 27, 2018 12:00PM

Whether they are earning money to buy their first car or make their first charitable donation, Lake County youth are developing and honing their business skills and there is a local awards program to honor their efforts.

Lake Kidz Biz, a business resource and networking organization for companies focusing on children’s services and products coordinates an awards program called Kidz Business Awards to honor Lake County’s youngest residents for their initiative to undertake a business opportunity and use their entrepreneurial spirit to implement a business concept that either benefits others or is a for profit business endeavor. The awards program seeks to: recognize Lake County youth for implementing a business concept on their own; identify how youth are having a positive impact in the community; and publicize the importance of youth helping others. Since these kids typically begin projects without fanfare, Lake Kidz Biz needs your help to find our outstanding youth!

“There are so many kids in our area who have out of the kindness of their heart created a business of sorts to provide items or monetary donations to others. Be it big or small, it does not matter. These kids are making a difference while using business concepts and we are pleased to be able to recognize them,” states Amie Longstaff, chairperson of the awards program. Along with helping others, there is an award category for an individual who has launched a for-profit endeavor. As many Lake Kidz Biz members are business owners and entrepreneurs, it is only fitting that a category for a profit endeavor was included. Entries may not be a school project or assignment or a project submitted for another organization such as a leadership group or scout troop.

Applicants must be 18 years or younger and attend school or reside in Lake County to be eligible for one of the three $250 award categories:

One award for an individual not-for-profit (charitable) endeavor

One award for a group not-for-profit

(charitable) endeavor

One award for an individual for-profit endeavor

Applicants must submit a two-page application, along with supporting documentation by March 31, 2018. Winners in each category will be recognized at an early June Lake County Captains game and receive a $250 award, commemorative trophy, business cards and movie tickets. For more information or to find the application online, please visit lakekidzbiz.com. All instructions are included in the application. Specific questions can be directed to Amie Longstaff at (440) 339-6290.

Assistance is now needed from the community to help identify youth entrepreneurs. If you know someone who should apply, direct them to lakekidzbiz.com, the Lake Kidz Biz website to download an application.